5 Fantastic Luxury Ranch Vacations

You’ve been thinking about where to go on vacation later this year. Your friends gave you some ideas, but they all seem to revolve around sandy beaches and tropical islands. Nice, but it’s not what you’re into this year. You’re looking for a unique experience with natural wonders and world-class service. Luxury ranches are the way to go.

They are located in some of the most picturesque locations in the US. You’ve seen photos of luxury ranch resorts looking like something out of a movie. Almost too perfect to be real. But they are real, and they’re waiting to make this your most memorable vacation ever.

log cabin wilderness

 

Whether it’s just you, or you’re bringing the whole family, you’ll have an exclusive experience at any of these 5 luxury ranches.

 

The Ranch At Rock Creek

This location is what you have in mind when you think of ranch-style living. Located in a valley among rolling hills in western Montana, you’ll feel the serenity of nature all around in this secluded paradise. And with a limited number of accommodations, it will feel like your own private ranch.

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to start exploring. There’s fly-fishing in Rock Creek, horseback riding, sport shooting, and miles of untouched nature to investigate. In winter, you can cover over 20 miles of trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Smith Fork Ranch

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains in Crawford, Colorado, this ranch is for the discerning traveler. Farm-to-table cuisine, with local produce and grass-fed beef from the community, is the staple at Smith Fork Ranch. And their Wine Cellar & Bar carries local wines along with vintage labels from around the world.

And, of course, wilderness abounds here. You can enjoy horseback riding, archery, shooting, and miles of hiking. Just outside the ranch, you can go paddleboarding, rafting, and even enjoy an authentic Western rodeo.

Brush Creek Ranch

Brush Creek Ranch is located on 30,000 acres of a working cattle ranch in southern Montana. It has unparalleled, family-friendly accommodations perfect for any size family. And there’s something for everyone to enjoy with activities like outdoor rock climbing, paintball, yoga, spa treatments, and big-game hunting trips.

Staying in the Cabin Residences is luxury through-and-through. And for larger families or groups, you can stay in Homestead or Stagecoach Residences. Each has floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping views.

Lone Mountain Ranch

Another fabulous idea for the whole family, Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana is on the National Registry of Historic Places. They offer first-class dining with genuine Montana cuisine, as well as a salon, outpost, and many venues for outdoor activities. Lone Mountain Ranch is also a top destination in North America for cross-country skiing.

Authentic accommodations and exceptional service make this an excellent stay for couples as well.

Wildcatter Ranch and Resort

Located on 1,500 acres in north-central Texas, this is a traditional ranch swimming in luxury. You can get a private therapeutic massage and then relax with a glass of wine at the infinity pool. Other activities include guided horseback riding, pony rides, archery, Jeep tours, and tomahawk throwing.

They have a gourmet restaurant on-site and superb accommodations with stunning views of the Texas countryside.

And these are just five of the options available for a ranch vacation. With some research, you may find one near you!

A Closer Look at Three States That Have the Top Turnkey Ranches in Western America

Turnkey properties are highly desirable for many investors, as they require little initial outlay once the ink is dry on the contract. Improvements and onsite facilities make it much easier to get up and running straight away. This is particularly attractive for buyers looking at a ranch for its investment potential or for first-time buyers new to ranching.

Unsurprisingly, turnkey properties with outstanding lodging, facilities, and existing leases in place will come on the market at much higher prices than properties with a “blank canvas.” If this is the sort of investment you are looking for, then you should take a closer look at the following three states, as they offer top turnkey ranches in western America.

Colorado

Colorado has everything—from the stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains to the well-watered grasslands. Ranch owners in the state operate a wide variety of agricultural and recreational businesses. If you are planning to run income-generating activities on your site, then offering private lodging and recreational activities can be a great way to go.

Locations near ski resorts that offer top-quality lodgings attract corporate and private guests willing to pay premium prices for easy access to the slopes without the massive crowds off-piste. A property such as the Sanctuary Ranch in Hayden offers excellent potential as a high-quality recreational retreat, as it already has some outstanding lodging and staff facilities on site.

Utah

The stunning landscapes of Utah make it an ideal state to set up an exclusive mountain or recreational lodge. The northwestern part of the state offers excellent year-round recreational activities and perfect hunting conditions for elk, moose, and mule deer.

There are currently a few stunning turnkey properties on the market that offer first-class lodgings and easy access to nearby national parks and ski resorts. Some sites on or adjacent to wildlife management areas benefit from a diversity of flora and fauna and may also qualify for landowner tags. Being able to offer prime hunting and/or fishing on site will make your property much sought after and should ensure a steady stream of income throughout the year.

Wyoming

Some buyers are looking for properties to run large amounts of cattle or to breed horses. The Cowboy State offers an abundance of undeveloped land and is the perfect place to set up an agricultural business.

The counties of Laramie and Wheatland offer ample opportunities for people looking for turnkey sites with a solid range of improvements. A brief look at some of the properties currently on the market highlights the quality of the turnkey ranches available. If you are a lover of rodeo, then some of these properties are tailor-made for you, with one even having an indoor arena ready to be utilized for a whole range of income-generating activities.

What to Look for in Wyoming Hunting Ranches

Wyoming is known as the Cowboy State and is home to some of the most stunning landscape in the world. It is also one of the most sparsely populated states in the US, with wide open spaces and mountainous landscapes the norm in the majority of the state.

Wyoming is home to many national parks, national monuments, and national forests, which provide the perfect habitat for a wide variety of animals. All of these factors make it a dream for outdoorsmen looking for big game. So, if you are looking for a hunting ranch, then you should consider these factors before deciding to buy Wyoming hunting ranches.

Why Wyoming?

Wyoming is a sparsely populated state with a wealth of natural landscapes which attract big game alongside many other animals. The rivers, lakes, and ponds are well stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, amongst others. Also, the well-watered lands make an ideal habitat for numerous upland birds and waterfowl, with large numbers of sage grouse and wild turkeys never hard to find.

Examples of big game that roam the state include:

• Moose
• Elk
• Pronghorn
• Antelope
• Mule Deer

Location

The location of a property is always a key consideration regardless of your reasons for buying a property. However, if you are looking for recreational properties, there are a few things you need to take into account. You need to find a property which is home to or near a wide variety of terrains. Ideally, you want to be close to mountains and a large body of water, as these varied habitats will attract a variety of big game.

Being located away from large townships is always a good idea, but you will still want easy access to one for when you need to get supplies. It is possible to find secluded spots which will offer the best of both worlds. However, they are usually in high demand, so you will have to move quickly when one comes on the market.

Landowner Tags

A property which carries landowner tags is a much sought-after investment, as these tags mean you don’t have to rely on the luck of the draw. For example, if a property lies in a game management zone, you will gain a specified amount of tags as a form of compensation for participating in conservation efforts. These tags are very in-demand, and the draw is always oversubscribed.

Access

When you start looking for properties you need to look at the right of access to land. Some properties encompass Bureau of Land Management (BLM) zones or are located near National Parks or other public areas. In addition, the property may not hold the water and mineral rights for the land.

Another thing to consider is that some properties participate in Wyoming’s Access Yes! Program, which means pockets of land are open to public access. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the legal implications of these policies when looking at your property. While most of them do offer compensation to landowners, it may not be ideal for all prospective buyers.

The Pros and Cons of Escaping to Your Own Western Ranch Retreat

Modern city living is unpleasant with the population and traffic continually increasing while the cost of living continues to rise. It is no wonder more and more of us are feeling stressed and overwhelmed while going about our daily commutes and routines. Some people have already had enough and moved away, but this is not the reality for all of us due to family and work commitments.

There is, however, a solution that a large number of families have started considering, and that is following in the footsteps of our forefathers and heading out west. Buying a ranch gives you and your family the opportunity to break free from the drone of the city whenever the kids have holidays or if you just feel the need to get away. Escaping to your own western ranch retreat offers a respite, even if it is currently impossible to move out west full-time.

Benefits

There are many advantages to owning your own ranch from an investment side, but there are also significant personal benefits.

Family Time

Spending the summer on the ranch gives everyone in the family a chance to spend some quality time with one another, learning new skills together and enjoying the various recreational activities available in and around the area.

Health

Being far away from the city will give your lungs ample oxygen to recover from the polluted air of the cities. Spending time in the great outdoors is extremely relaxing, which can reduce stress, and there are many jobs and activities that will get you in shape in no time.

Nature

Interacting with the local ecosystems is hard work but extremely rewarding. Just going for a long walk will reinvigorate you, while spending time with flora and fauna will give you a sense of pride.

Great for the Kids

There is so much to see and do on a ranch that it would be difficult for even the grumpiest teenager to be utterly bored. There are new skills to learn, and they can also be empowered to take responsibility for specific ranch tasks.

Potential Problems

While owning a ranch is a great investment and can provide a considerable amount of joy for you and your family, there are also some potential pitfalls that a new rancher can fall into.

Always Work to be Done

A ranch is a big responsibility, and unexpected costs are likely to be incurred during the year. It is possible to get a ranch management team in to run the day-to-day, but you will still have to sign off on the expenses.

Different Way Of Life

Living on a ranch is a world away from the city life, which can be boring for some people. Depending on the location of the ranch, you might not see many other people. Teenagers might not be happy being away from social media and friends for the whole summer.

Location

This is an important consideration but one that might get overlooked. You need to find a retreat that has useful transport links and is a realistic distance away, but this might have an impact on your overall budget. If your ranch is too much hassle to get to, your investment is likely to be wasted.

Not Understanding the Small Print

There are many things to consider, such as water and mineral rights, conservation policies, state zoning laws, easements, and tax issues, which new ranchers might not truly understand. Most of these issues are incredibly complex and easy to get confused by, which can lead to problems later.

 

What to Look for in Colorado Luxury Ranches

To enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style, Colorado luxury ranches can be great options. Some who enjoy the great outdoors want to have as close to an authentic experience as possible. Braving the outdoors, living off the land, and being fully self-reliant are the dreams of someone who wants to move out into the country.

3 Things You Need to Know about the Great Plains Region

As you conduct your research preparing to buy luxury ranches, you may notice that a large portion of them are located in what is known as the Great Plains Region. This region has had a massive influence on the United States and its ranching culture. It offers thousands of miles of rich grasslands that are perfect for cattle grazing, with plenty of arable land for farming as well.

The Great Plains extend in an almost straight line from the north in Canada all the way south to Texas. This region is the perfect place to start a new ranch. Here are 3 things to remember about the region as you narrow your search.

How to Create a Luxury Ranch

Luxury ranches are a modern creation. Ranching has always been known for cattle drives and long nights out on the prairie. It is the stereotypical environment for the ruggedly masculine cowboy or ranch hand.

However, those stereotypes are from a bygone era, and today’s ranches are different. Nowadays, ranches have become a status symbol. Here are some ways to distinguish a luxury ranch.

How to Choose Your Luxury Ranch

If you have been researching buying a luxury ranch, you may have underestimated the sheer size of the place. It has wide-open prairies, huge mountaintops, and a lot of space in between.

Most ranching areas have small populations who divide up huge tracts of land outside of a town. Those who live in ranches are known for the simple cowboy life, but there is such a variable choice of landscape that one might not even know where to look. You can take advantage of the variety of land to find the perfect place for your new ranch.